Also, this drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This side effect can occur without warning symptoms at any time while using diclofenac. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect. (See also Precautions and Drug Interactions sections.)

Stop using diclofenac and get medical help right away if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: black/bloody stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of using this medication.

Uses

This medication is used to relieve joint pain from arthritis. Diclofenac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain.

How to use diclofenac sodium topical

Read the Medication Guide and Patient Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using diclofenac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the skin only. To measure the right dose, use the dosing card(s) provided with the medication. Place a dosing card on a flat surface so that you can read the print on the card. Squeeze an even line of the medication from the tube onto the dosing card, using the marks on the card to measure the prescribed dose. Gently rub the medication into the entire affected joint, usually 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. You may use the dosing card to apply the medication. Do not apply the medication on skin that has cuts, infections, or rashes.

If the package instructions direct you to reuse the dosing card, then after each use, hold the card with your fingertips, rinse, and dry. When you are ready to discard the dosing card, fold the card in half with the medication side inside and throw away out of the reach of children and pets. Wash your hands after using the medication unless you are using it to treat the hands. Do not shower, bathe, or wash any treated areas for at least an hour after applying the medication. Wait at least 10 minutes before covering the treated area with gloves or clothing. Do not wrap, bandage, or apply heat (such as a heating pad) to the treated area.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not apply more than 16 grams of diclofenac per day to any single joint of the lower body (such as knee, ankle, foot). Do not apply more than 8 grams of diclofenac per day to any single joint of the upper body (such as hand, wrist, elbow). No matter how many joints you are treating, do not use more than a total of 32 grams of diclofenac per day.

Discuss the risks and benefits of using this drug with your doctor or pharmacist. To reduce the risk of side effects, use this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose, use it more often than prescribed, or apply the medication to any area not prescribed by your doctor.

Do not get the medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water. Contact your doctor right away if irritation persists.

For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of using this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.

If you are using this drug "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Skin irritation/redness may occur at the application site. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Precautions

See also Warning section.

Before using diclofenac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Kidney problems can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including diclofenac. Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications (see also Drug Interactions section). Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration and tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual change in the amount of urine.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you may safely drink.

This medication may make the treated area more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing when outdoors. Ask your doctor whether you should use sunscreen along with this medication.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems and worsening heart problems.

Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage, trouble getting pregnant). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery.

It is unknown if this form of diclofenac passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when used with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, erlotinib, among others.

Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketorolac). These drugs are similar to diclofenac and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose/swallowing may include: severe stomach pain, change in the amount of urine, slow/shallow breathing.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

Missed Dose

If you are prescribed this drug on a regular schedule (not just "as needed") and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised June 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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